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mrsc TUG Member Posts: 106 From: Canton, MA, USA Registered: Apr 2002	posted 05-22-2005 19:31 We are taking our 3 children to Williamsburg in July. My kids are 9,7 and 4. We would like to visit Busch Gardens, Water Country and Virginia Beach. I am looking at the ticket options on the Busch Gardens website and wondering how many days do I need to spend at Busch Gardens & Water Country. Is one day at each park sufficient? Are there any other spots in the area I should plan on visiting? IP: Logged
Big Matt TUG Member Posts: 1029 From: Northern VA Registered: Jul 2002	posted 05-23-2005 03:13 You could spend several days at each and have a lot of fun. Busch Gardens is really big (in area). Water Country is one of the best water parks in the country. Plan on visiting Jamestown. Definite must IMO. Colonial Williamsburg is awesome, but you may not want to pay for a pass (lets you enter some of the better exhibits) since you can see a lot for free. Yorktown is also good, but not as good as Jamestown. Fill in the blanks with Outlet shopping, mini golf, etc. IP: Logged
sfwilshire TUG Member Posts: 2371 From: Clinton TN Registered: Jan 2003	posted 05-23-2005 04:45 Busch Gardens has some really attractive annual passes if you will be around this park or any other Busch park in the next year or so. Check out their website. We went there in April and bought two year passes for all eight of the Busch Parks. They were having a special where you could buy four and get the fifth free (or maybe it was buy three and get the fourth free --- anyway you got a cheaper rate for buying so many). It was right around $1000 for the five of us, which I thought was great when you consider the daily cost for tickets. We will be able to hit Sea World and Busch Gardens, Tampa for a few days at a minimum during the two years. Sheila IP: Logged
ctreelmom TUG Member Posts: 123 From: New Fairfield, CT; Smuggler's Notch, VT Registered: Nov 2003	posted 05-23-2005 04:57 Busch Gardens can be done in one day, but with kids as young as yours, and in the July heat, I wouldn't try it. Plan at least two days--go early in the morning and plan to leave before the afternoon heat hits, then maybe go back after dinner. I haven't been to Water Country in a long time, but if memory serves, your kids might WANT to go back a 2nd (and 3rd and 4th ) day. My kids HATED Colonial Williamsburg when they were your kids' ages--that ticket was, IMO, the biggest waste of vacation money ever. You can see enough of it for free w/o forking over the cash. I echo the sentiment that Jamestown is a must--but again, be wary of the heat. Have them watch Disney's Pocahontas (the first one) before you go if they haven't seen it recently. We really enjoy Williamsburg as a destination and as it's usually a very easy trade in, it's always our fallback! Where are you staying? ------------------ we are all angels with one wing. It is when we help each other that we truly fly. [This message has been edited by ctreelmom (edited 05-23-2005).] IP: Logged
packfan4ever TUG Member Posts: 63 From: Mason City, IA Own: Fairfield Fairshare Points (Branson, MO.) Registered: May 2002	posted 05-23-2005 07:36 Our family, 3 boys 14, 13, and 9 visited Williamsburg last summer, stayed at Greensprings. We purchase unlimited park hopping passes to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. It was great, we would go in the morning or afternoon to one of the parks or both on one day and not feel bad about "getting our moneys worth" as with daily admissions. as I recall we spent several days at each park, the pass was great, it gave us the oppurtunity to always have something to do and the kids loved the parks. We also did the day trip to swim in the ocean at Virginia Beach, it was very fun, low cost trip, we parked in public parking lot for minimal and had a short walk to many public access beaches, we walked up and down the beach and swam. One day we did the Yorktown tour, it was educational for the kids, they enjoyed it, we drove through the battlefield area, toured the visitor center. We spent little time at the resort, only when mom & dad wanted to rest, the kids swam in the pool, the preferred Water Country USA instead though! It was a great trip and if we would go back I would do it the same way. Have fun. Joachim IP: Logged
robnsunny TUG Member Posts: 921 From: Leesburg, VA USA Registered: Oct 2002	posted 05-23-2005 08:00 quote: Originally posted by ctreelmom: Have them watch Disney's Pocahontas (the first one) before you go if they haven't seen it recently. NO! That movie bears no relationship to the history that occured at Jamestown beyond the names of some of the characters. Watching it will only confuse your kids. IP: Logged
mrsc TUG Member Posts: 106 From: Canton, MA, USA Registered: Apr 2002	posted 05-23-2005 09:35 Thanks for all of the replies. I spoke with Busch Gardens regarding the opening time for the park and whether the rides are available at the 10:00 A.M. opening time, the BG representative said the rides would be operational shortly after opening time? Has anyone had a problem with the rides not being available at opening time? Also, how are the dining options in the park? Are they expensive? IP: Logged
PBlais TUG Member Posts: 25 From: Hayes, VA Registered: Oct 2003	posted 05-23-2005 11:32 Busch has a crew that comes in after the park closes and does a full inspection of all the rides. The also do scheduled maint activities then too. This is to make sure things are ready to go in the morning. If they find a problem and it can not be fixed in time you can be sure the ride will not open until it is. I would say in that way they are open as much and as soon as possible. I think the food is better than I expected. It is food made to be served to large numbers of people but I think you will find it good. They set things up so they can serve people quickly as you move through a line station to station. It is very fresh and within the various areas they have different themes. ------------------ Windjammer landing, St Lucia; Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Cabo, Villa Del Palmar, Cabo/PV IP: Logged
lisa1001 TUG Member Posts: 12 From: alexandria,va Registered: Feb 2005	posted 05-23-2005 12:17 Food is good for theme park food. If you buy a souvenir cup, you can get it refilled for $1.00. The cups are good at all Busch Theme parks, so if you get your cup at Busch Gardens take it with you to Water Country (or vice versa). This can save a lot when you have kids. IP: Logged
elaine TUG Member Posts: 564 From: washington, DC Registered: Dec 2000	posted 05-23-2005 12:39 if you don't have to do the water park---BG has a "summer sizzler pass" for $65 each. Then you can go 1/2 day to BG almost everyday, and hang out at condo pool in afternoon, and go back in evening for shows, fireworks. If you really want the waterpark, then the 3-4 day pass might be your best bet. IP: Logged
Big Matt TUG Member Posts: 1029 From: Northern VA Registered: Jul 2002	posted 05-23-2005 16:12 I mentioned above that the park is very large in area. They usually open all the rides in the front of the park right at 10. The ones in the rear open between 10 and 11. Also, the sky lifts don't open right away either making it harder to get to the rear of the park. quote: Originally posted by mrsc: Thanks for all of the replies. I spoke with Busch Gardens regarding the opening time for the park and whether the rides are available at the 10:00 A.M. opening time, the BG representative said the rides would be operational shortly after opening time? Has anyone had a problem with the rides not being available at opening time? IP: Logged
PAJim TUG Member Posts: 389 From: PA Registered: Dec 2000	posted 05-24-2005 03:20 In my opinion, Colonial Williamsburg isn't much WITHOUT the pass that gets you into the buildings. That is where you get the history and knowledge from the craftsman and artisans who are still practicing their crafts today. As a bonus, you get to see the furnishings inside the buildings. We're heading to Williamsburg, again, to sing at Bruton Parish Church the evening of July 11th, free concert of spirituals if anyone is interested. We're looking to experience Jamestown and Yorktown with our 10 an 8 year olds. They really enjoyed Williamsburg but we wanted to try something new. Apparently there are 2 parts to Jamestown with 2 seperate admissions? Can anyone shed some light and tell me where we should spend our time? ------------------ Jim IP: Logged
jfbookers TUG Member Posts: 236 From: Norfolk, VA Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-24-2005 09:42 Just returned from BG. We have a pass and the release from wanting to get your money's worth makes a visit of a few hours very pleasant. The park had as few visitors as I have ever seen, it being the 1st weekday of the season, and we were able to get on all rides with little or no wait. But for bus loads of mostly NC school kids it would have been lonesome. Dark Kastle the new ride is somewhat like the Universal Spiderman in FL. and may be too startling for younger kids. I think you have to be 42 inches tall to ride. The knives being thrown at you in 3D makes you duck. One ticket option they had advertised involved a bounce back ticket for $15.00 if you purchase it before you leave the park. I am not sure if this was just an early season option. As mentioned earlier BG is a BIG park and takes a lot or walking or riding the train to navigate. Throw in long lines and you may be better to do half days or at least something other than full days. There is a lot to see in the area. Enjoy, Jim IP: Logged
robnsunny TUG Member Posts: 921 From: Leesburg, VA USA Registered: Oct 2002	posted 05-24-2005 10:19 quote: Originally posted by PAJim: Apparently there are 2 parts to Jamestown with 2 seperate admissions? Can anyone shed some light and tell me where we should spend our time? The National park encompasses Jamestown island and the site of the original fort which was found about 5 years ago. It had been thought lost under the James. The settlement is being excavated and there are displays by the open pits telling about the work. There is also a museum on site. The other park is by the national park entrance. This was built for the 350th anniversary and is being refurbished for the 400th. This park has the recreated fort and ships and reenactors. The kids will probably get more out it. IP: Logged
rod TUG Member Posts: 525 From: Marshall, MI Registered: Dec 2000	posted 05-24-2005 10:20 Jamestown actually consists of two facilities. The first is the Jamestown portion of Colonial National Park, which includes Jamestown Island and the actual site of Jamestown. The second is Jamestown Settlement, which is operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and is located just outside the national park about a mile from the actual site. Colonial National Park - fee is $10 per adult, includes both Jamestown and Yorktown, age 16 and under free - pass is good for 7 days, not just the day you buy it - tour Jamestown Island, a museum on the island, and the Glasshouse (they make glass there), and entry to some buildings at Yorktown - (if you only want to tour one, fees are $8 for Jamestown only, $5 for Yorktown only) - most of the Yorktown portion of the park is accessible without paying a fee - the Colonial Parkway is a road that connects the Yorktown and Jamestown portions of the park, and it is accessible without a fee - good views of the James and York rivers from the Parkway - pack a lunch and have a picnic at one of the parking sites along the Parkway Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center are not part of the National Park system, but are provided by Virginia. Admission fees are higher, but the displays are a lot more interactive. For example, at Jamestown Settlement are replicas of the ships the original colonists arrived in, Jamestown Fort, and a Powhatan Indian village. IP: Logged
Fitzriley TUG Member Posts: 24 From: Carmel, NY, USA Registered: Oct 2002	posted 05-26-2005 11:03 We went to Williamsburg two summers ago, mid-August, and are returning same time this year. My kids were 15,4, and 2. BG was SOOOOOOhot and crowded the first day that we used our remaining 4 day pass only at Water Country USA. The kids loved it, we beat the heat and the crowds were not as bad. Also there was not as much walking between rides, so the kids were happy. And when we got a little tired, we did the lazy river raft ride, which Mom just loved! The food was more expensive and not good, so we brought in a small cooler with drinks and snacks. Although they claim to not allow it, no one made me leave it in the car. I think they saw young children and healthy snacks and let it go. We are returning this year with all 3 and a friend and have promised them at least 3 days at Water Country. As far as Colonial Williamsburg, too young and too boring so we will pass on it this year. Have a great time! Joan IP: Logged
moonlightgraham TUG Member Posts: 119 From: Atlanta, GA 30329 Registered: Jan 2003	posted 05-27-2005 06:43 We are at Williamsburg right now, staying at the Marriott Manor Club. Excellent timeshare property, by-the-way. As for Busch Gardens I would suggest the three-day bounce pass. We have spent two days at Busch so far and still plan to do the water park tomorrow, and maybe return to the theme park in the evening. It's a beautiful park and has a great area (Land of the Dragons) that is superb for toddlers like ours. As for the new attraction: Dar Kastle I wouldn't recommend waiting in line for it. Even in this quiet week before the summer crowds hit, it had a 30 minute wait, easily the longest in the park. I think the Spiderman ride at Islands of Adventure to be a much better ride for the 3D/4D genre that this ride is. Stick to the big coasters for the real thrills: Apollo's Chariot, Alpengeist, Loch Ness Monster all are World Class coasters! Tom IP: Logged
pedro47 TUG Member Posts: 622 From: East Coast VA Registered: Jan 2001	posted 05-28-2005 04:14 Does your childern enjoy baseball? Maybe you can travel to Norfolk, VA and watch the Tidewater Tides (Triple AAA farm club of the New York Mets) play the Boston Red Sox Triple AAA team Pawtcket. Both teams play in the International League. [This message has been edited by pedro47 (edited 05-28-2005).] IP: Logged
KenK Moderator TUG Volunteer Posts: 4760 From: Nep.City, NJ/Hlwd,Fl Registered: Dec 2000	posted 05-28-2005 07:11 Please don 't forget Brents post: http://www.tug1.net/tugbbs1/Forum10/HTML/004908.html Might come in handy....certainly easier..... www.carriebcruises.com excellent Norfolk Naval base tour from the water. There are one free with one tixs in many places. Also, employee of any educational facility (and military active, reserve ) would get one yearly pass free with one only at the foundations tix sales section (at the entrance to the park. There are fees (but combo tix) for both Jamestown and Yorktown ...need to use within a week. VA Teachers will get a discount at the Jamesburg -Yorktown section run by the state. The Federal Part (National Park service-where the excavations are, have excellent tours of both Jamestown and Yorktown by National Park Rangers. Still try the ferry to Scotland (free), but the Surry House Restaurant, which was very good once, seems to have let things slide a bit. ------------------ Ken K PS: Win a week with your TUG Winning Review submission: Award Week PIX Please click the page numbers as they present different subjects IP: Logged

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